Fulshear EDC weighs three options for Year 3 of Fulshear Fast Track program

The Fulshear Development Corporation on May 12 discussed a Year 3 addendum to the Fulshear Fast Track program and asked staff to return with detailed cost comparisons, job descriptions and transition options.

Board members were presented two formal options: Option 1 would continue the partnership with The Canon and convert the current part‑time managing director to full time at a proposed annual contract cost of $216,850. Option 2 would create an in‑house position within the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) payroll, retaining The Canon’s website and program ties but shifting daily management to a city employee. Board members also suggested a hybrid/tag‑team approach — keeping the current part‑time Canon role while hiring a city staff member to overlap and train — and asked for a third option that would show the cost of continuing the current part‑time arrangement.

EDC staff said the budget impact for Option 2 is not yet final because job classifications and benefits must be defined by Human Resources; staff intends to present a draft job description and HR classification so the board can see true salary-plus‑benefits figures. Board members raised staffing and timing concerns, noting that hiring and onboarding a new in‑house employee could take several months and that a phased overlap (90–180 days) would help preserve continuity and business relationships established by the program.

Members also discussed council-level preferences communicated to staff: several on council have questioned use of an outside contractor for the role and indicated they may favor moving the position in‑house. Staff emphasized flexibility: the presented addendum options can be adjusted by contract term (one- or two-year structures), and The Canon indicated willingness to negotiate hybrid transition scenarios.

The meeting record shows no formal vote on a Year 3 contract at this session. Instead, staff was directed to return to the EDC with: - detailed cost comparisons for Option 1 (full‑time Canon contract) and Option 2 (in‑house hire), including salary plus benefits estimates; - a draft job description and HR classification for an in‑house position; - an option showing the financials for keeping the current part‑time arrangement; and - potential hybrid transition schedules to preserve relationships built by the managing director.

The discussion also touched on program scope should the role become part of staff, with examples such as business retention and entrepreneurship development added to the position’s duties. Staff said they will aim to present draft budgets and the administrative services agreement (ASA) in June and return final recommendations in July.

Next step: staff to bring back the requested financial comparisons, job classification guidance and transition schedules for the EDC’s review at a future meeting.